LETTER: Smyrna town manager's salary needs new look

With the current vacancy in the Smyrna town manager position, it is time to re-evaluate the current salary range the town of Smyrna is offering.

At this time, the pay range is $115,000 to $125,000 per year. With the town of Smyrna's current economic condition, it is time to reconsider the starting pay of this position.

As a business owner in the private sector, we don't start off our employees at the top. They have to earn their salary through their performance.

It should be no different for our local government.

By starting the town manager at a rate of $85,000 a year or even $90,000 a year, this would save the town approximately $30,000 to $40,000 during the first year of the manager's new employment. This is a much needed savings for a town that just voted on a 46.1 percent tax increase this past summer.

After the new town manager has proven his or her competency by helping get the town's financial house in order, then our leaders should reward the town manager with a raise. At that time, we would have the extra money if the new manager is doing a good job.

The fact is, people in the private sector are still hurting. I am of the belief that we can find a viable candidate to fill our manager position at a reduced annual salary.

Jeff Hollingshead

Rosemont Terrace

Smryna

[Editor's Note: Jeff Hollingshead is a candidate for mayor of Smyrna.]

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

LETTER: Smyrna town manager's salary needs new look

With the current vacancy in the Smyrna town manager position, it is time to re-evaluate the current salary range the town of Smyrna is offering.